The whole idea is a privacy minefield, so it would have to be very carefully designed and implemented, of course making it opt-in. But still, should we even pursue this idea?
So that, for example, even if I met someone just briefly, they can still later see the contact information that I am willing to provide.
Wouldn’t that make it much easier to connect with people who live close to you?
Are there any relevant projects or ideas that already exist?
I’m a little sad I missed out on Yik Yak, tbh. I think the idea of interacting with people within your proximity has power. Whether it just be casually BSing with your neighbors, or having conversations about a sports event.
I’d prefer if it were anonymous/pseudonymous with effective location fuzzing, though. But that could in theory include profiles with details you’re willing to share with randos. Could have augmented reality (AR) uses as well.
As long as you control the information and have the ability to shut it off entirely, it could be useful.
Yik yak was fun, but the reason it was fun was because it was (somewhat) anonymous. The local memes, hilariously kinky posts, and general news was fun. The cyber bullying and depression posts were probably what ended up killing the app.